Finland is regularly recognized as a world leader in social wellbeing
(e.g., education, health care, human rights) and environmental protection &
enhancement (e.g. clean energy practices, green transportation planning,
sustainable development). From architecture, design, and technological
innovation to orchestra conductors, heavy-metal bands, and ice-hockey goalies,
Finland is known for its support of the arts, functional creativity, and integration
of society and environment. In 2010, Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and
Health presented a strategy to achieve a socially sustainable society. In 2018,
the City of Helsinki set its aspirations on being the world's most functional
city, a humane city that puts people first.
In 2019, Finland’s government placed social, economic, and
environmental sustainability at the center of their national agenda.
This University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire faculty-led immersion goes to
Finland to examine the realities and implementation of 21st century socially
and environmentally sustainable policies and practices. It is structured around a 3-credit course
(GEOG 366) intended for students from all disciplinary traditions who are
committed to and engaged in improving their communities and our world. The program provides students with innovative tools and aspirational possibilities
for social and environmental improvement. We will meet with local officials, authorities, and practitioners, engage in research projects of individual
interest, and visit businesses, galleries, museums, and other field sites to help
us understand the emergence, implementation, practice, and challenges of social
and environmental sustainability. We
expect to include short excursions outside of Helsinki, including a few nights in Estonia. Thus, this field experience will improve our geographic
knowledge and understanding. In keeping with the theme of this field course,
and to enhance our “on-the-ground” learning, bicycles and public transportation
will be daily modes of transportation. Helsinki has 1,200 kms of cycling
routes, 730 of them paved. Individually
and as a group, we will bike. An
immersion prerequisite is that students are confident and capable on a bicycle,
and capable of bicycling as many as 20-30 kms in a day.
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